Engaging with users to accelerate uptake of
existing research, and to shape water research
for the future
Water Security Knowledge Exchange Programme
Introduction
Increasing water demand due to population growth, food production and the effects of a
changing climate is now recognised as one of the greatest challenges facing mankind.
These developments, in the UK and around the world, have been based on unsustainable
exploitation of water resources, and water security is now a major concern of governments,
industry and citizens.
About the Programme
The Water Security Knowledge Exchange Programme (WSKEP), set up by the Natural
Environment Research Council (NERC) and was launched in April 2011. It is one of five
three year Knowledge Exchange Programmes and has two aims. One is to increase the
uptake of NERC research outputs in the water security area by relevant businesses, policy
makers, regulators and civil society organisations. The other is to obtain and raise
awareness of the research needs of key users, and communicate these needs to research
funders such as NERC, other research councils, the Technology Strategy Board and the
European Commission. This paper will explain how the Programme fits into the bigger
picture of UK and EC water research initiatives, such as the Living with Environmental
Change programme, UK Water Research Innovation Framework and the EU Science Policy
Interface - Water.
The programme will deliver
The programme will establish a community of researchers and science users to develop
networks for effective knowledge exchange. It will

Work with policy-makers, industry and civil society organisations to identify priority
areas for accelerating knowledge exchange activities.

Offer a first point of contact for information about water security related research

Facilitate a range of knowledge exchange event, bringing together key researchers
and users.

Help users communicate their needs to shape the development of new NERC
research programmes.
www.wskep.net
WSKEP Information Document
The five Sub Areas of the Water Security Knowledge Exchange
Programme
The Water Security Knowledge Exchange programme has been structured into five sub-area
as outlined below. The first three have been selected to form the focus of activity during the
first 18 months of the Programme. The remaining two Sub Areas will be addressed during
the second eighteen month cycle of the programme, subject to reassessment of user needs
and review of the first cycle.
1.
Integrated Water management
The sustainable management of water resources at a catchment scale. This priority area
concentrates on integrating an understanding of ecosystems with land and water
management techniques to improve the management of water resources within a
catchment, encompassing both rural and urban areas.
2.
Increased resilience to Extreme Events
The prediction and mitigation of extreme events, with a focus on information management
and coordination to increase resilience to events as they occur. This priority area will link
with the LWEC Flooding Strategy which is currently being drafted.
3.
Ensuring Water Resource Security
Water security is focused on preventing a gap between supply and demand. The threat of
climate change may make this problematic and it will be essential for businesses,
investors, regulators and government agencies to understand their water-related
vulnerability, and the value of water-related ecosystem services. Understanding these
factors is vital to protect both the environment and our economy. It is important to
develop more accurate data about the services that water provides and the risks that it
poses, and to transform this data into practical tools for stakeholders to use.
4.
Coordination of Water Data
The focus of this area of impact is to support the coordination of global water data.
Because of the complexities associated with managing water quality and supply across
the world it is imperative that high-quality data is accessible to businesses, policy-makers
and the public.
5.
Sources, behaviour and control of persistent and emerging environmental
contaminants
Pollution from industry, households and agriculture is widespread in the
environment. The multiplicity of sources and of pollutants makes this difficult to control
and to legislate against. On the other hand, waste has to be dealt with in a way which
protects environmental and human health and potentially provides benefits.
For more information visit the Programme website www.wskep.net.
WSKEP Information Document